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Beginning the practice of meditation may seem daunting and confusing. The idea of sitting still in silence, with no other stimulation than the inner workings of our minds and bodies can be difficult. In this day and age, with the advent of technology and social media, we are constantly connected to a myriad of devices, and consume varied content. This consumption is immediately gratifying, and our minds are seldom left unoccupied. 

How is meditation helpful? It enables us to get in touch with our breath, stay in the present moment, and focus on the here and now, rather than dwell on the past or future. It also has many health and well-being benefits. A daily practice of meditation can decrease blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce stress and anxiety, increase our creativity and strengthen our immune system. 

How to start with the practice of meditation? The key is to start small, and build an everyday practice. There is no right or wrong way to meditate, whatever resonates with you is the best method to go about it. As a beginner, the following are some ways in which you can start with the practice:

Sit in a relaxed and comfortable position of your choice (chair, couch, bed, on the ground), try not to slouch. 

Concentrate on your breathing. Breathe in and out slowly and try not to let your mind wander (it is okay if it does though!). Follow your breath for as long as you can. 

Use guided meditation videos. Getting into practice can be difficult in the beginning, and there are many online resources which can be used to help you through it. All that is required is making the first step.

Consistency is the key. Like any other activity or skill you need to build, getting the hang of meditation requires consistency. Try to take aside some time everyday for meditation, even if it is just 10 minutes. A little bit everyday goes a long way.